OpenPrinting.org recommends the pcl3 driver for your printer, but there is definitely something wrong with it. However, the alternate cdj550 driver does appear to work under a simulation test. Get the PPD file here and copy it to /usr/share/cups/model as usual.

Hi - sorry to add to a solved thread but I've got a new improved issue. *And this might? be a duplicate post so if so - sorry.

The old laptop got a little too much Samoyd fur in it and went to computer heaven. I bought a nice (newer) T60 Thinkpad which has been working fine in all other reaspects (And I've been printing to a networked printer at home) I'm back into needing a portable solution and I dearly love my old Deskjet 310 but I'm puzzled how to make it work with CUPs using a USB to Parallel cable.

This works fine
echo -en "\rHello\r\f" >/dev/usb/lp0

Is the correct "path" to use in CUPs /dev/usb/lp0
Thanks for any tips
- James_________________Science is what we understand well enough to explain to a computer.
Art is everything else we do.
Donald Knuth

Whew... Again you have saved my sanity. It just printed the test page and I'm a giant smiley face - thank you so much ! ! ! I owe you twice (At least if not more)

Near the end of this I started to understand that I needed the dev/usb/lp0
Not having the usb part was clearly an issue.

Could you explain "parallel:"? I don't remember needing this in the earlier problem with a built in parallel port. Can you spell this out for a dumb head newbee?_________________Science is what we understand well enough to explain to a computer.
Art is everything else we do.
Donald Knuth

Sorry - I was a bit cryptic. Its 1.4.6 (cups) and I really do appreciate your help on another printer problem. Most of the problems that have been "fixed" by people on the forum are embarrassing *I should have been able to figure that out on my own. This one? I really wasn't going to get this one. So extra thanks for sharing your knowledge.

People are probably wondering if I'm goofy to still be using this printer but... There are not many printers like this one. Small enough to put in a laptop bag. Runs on battery power (If you wish) *Although I think I have to make up another pack from scratch.

You know the one thing that is really nice about this printer? When you press the on / off button it shuts off or on in an instant. My wife has a printer that makes printing sounds for about a minute before it starts printing and shutting it down is just as dippy. It has a touch screen, lets me buy Disney products on line and all sorts of (Huh? Whats the point of this again) Its pretty poor as a printer. Or at least I think so. Progress..._________________Science is what we understand well enough to explain to a computer.
Art is everything else we do.
Donald Knuth